Czech scientists' unique finding to help treat leukaemia

Prague, Sept 10 (CTK) - Czech scientists have been the first in the world to prove that stem cells from dead donors can be transplanted to patients suffering from blood formation disorders, such as leukaemia, the Science Academy (AV) press section has told CTK.

The research team of Emanuel Necas and Ludek Sefc, from the Institute of Pathological Physiology of the 1st Medicine Faculty at Prague's Charles University, have discovered that stem cells from bone marrow, which are essential for blood formation, can be successfully transplanted even several hours after the donor's death.

The Czech researchers recently presented their results at the world conference of haematologists in Canada and they met with a broad response of foreign experts, the daily Mlada fronta Dnes (MfD) writes Monday.

"This is an immensely significant discovery," renowned Czech oncologist Pavel Klener told MfD.

The finding can considerably extend the register of bone marrow donors and the patients waiting for such transplants can pin their hopes on it, researchers say.

A living person can donate only a pair organ, such as kidney, and bone marrow containing haematopoietic stem cells.

However, a bone marrow transplant requires a very high level of immunogenetic congruence between the donor and the recipient, which limits the chance of finding a suitable donor for every patient in time.

Many patients suffering from blood formation troubles must therefore wait for a transplant for long and some never live to see it.

Some organs can be transplanted from dead donors, too. However, it has not been the case of stem cells so far. The Czech discovery is to enable it in the future.

The Czech team has for the first time proved that haematopoietic stem cells are resistant to adverse conditions caused by the blood circulatory arrest.

"Unlike other cells, stem cells taken even a number of hours after death fully preserve their natural qualities, and consequently they are suitable for transplant," Professor Necas said.

Necas and Sefc have been researching into the behaviour of stem cells in blood marrow for long. They will participate in one of the five research programmes of the Biocev project, in particular in the development of new treatment and diagnostic methods.